Post on 13-Jan-2016
Transit Connections 2013 The Value of Transit
Transit: It’s Personal
Amy FitchUniversity of Nevada, Reno
Julie D. HunterWashoe County Health District
Kevin SchillerWashoe County Department of SocialServices
Washoe County Health District, Air Quality Management
Division
Julie HunterSenior Air Quality Specialist
Transit Connections, December 6, 2013
Air Quality Management Division Monitoring – Measures the level of criteria pollutants
Planning – Establishes rules and regulations to reduce air pollutants of concern in the area
Permitting – Issues Permits to Operate with conditions to reduce/limit emissions
Enforcement – Ensures compliance with permit conditions and regulations governing air quality
AQM Monitoring Network
• 8 Sites in Southern Washoe County
• Operates 24/7• Meets EPA
requirements • Reviewed annually• Changes approved by
EPA
Monitoring Station
Criteria Air Pollutants
• Carbon Monoxide (CO)• Particulate Matter (PM)• Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)• Nitrogen Dioxide (NOx)• Ozone (O3)• Lead
Air Quality Index (AQI)
• Pollutant levels calculate daily AQI
• AQI reported daily to public
• AQI level determines health effects
Health Effects of Ozone
• OZONEo Cough o Throat Irritationo Pain, burning, or
discomfort in the chest when taking a deep breath
o Chest tightness, wheezing, or shortness of breath
Health Effects of Particulates
• Particulate Mattero Coughing, wheezing,
shortness of breath o Aggravated asthma o Lung damage (including
decreased lung function and lifelong respiratory disease)
• Pollution per Mile Calculation (Washoe County):
• Annual Emissions: 2,580,403 tons/year• Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT): 11,507,066 per day• Vehicle Population: 267,157 number of vehicles
Pollution Calculation
Pollution from Vehicles
• Average vehicle drives 43.1 miles per day
• 53.7 lbs of emissions per day per vehicle
• 1.2 lbs pollution per mile
CO
VOCCO2
PM10PM2.5
NOx
SO2
Transit Solutions
• Motor vehicles are the largest contributor to ozone in Washoe County
• 40% of all trips are two miles or less, these short trips lead to “cold starts” which are a big source of emissions.
• One mile pedaled or walked saves 1.2 pounds of pollution
Active Transportation Benefits
Solutions to Reduce Pollution
• Public transit, carpool, or active transportation
• Combine errands• Limit engine idling• Safe refueling• Refuel vehicles after dusk• Keep vehicle tuned and
tires inflated
Keep it Clean
• Know the Code
• Rack Em Up
• nOzone
www.ourcleanair.com